AWKA, Anambra State — Tragedy struck Anambra State late Sunday night after unknown gunmen ambushed the convoy of Chief Ben Nwankwo, the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo. While the Chief of Staff narrowly escaped unhurt, two police officers attached to the convoy were tragically shot dead during the attack.
The violent incident occurred along the Amansea–Ufuma Road in the Orumba South Local Government Area. Authorities confirmed that the convoy was returning to the state capital, Awka, after Chief Nwankwo attended an official function on behalf of the governor.
According to reports, a fierce gun duel ensued between the attackers and security details, lasting for several minutes. While the governor’s aide survived the ambush unscathed, several civilians in the entourage sustained varying degrees of injuries in the crossfire.
A tricycle operator who witnessed the terrifying encounter stated that he abandoned his vehicle and fled into the bush upon hearing the sudden barrage of gunfire. When he returned to the scene after the shooting ceased, he discovered the lifeless bodies of the two officers. Distressing video footage currently circulating online shows the slain operatives lying in a pool of blood next to their patrol van.
Police Launch “Operation Fish Them Out”
In swift response to the deadly attack, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, convened an emergency security meeting with senior officers and operational heads on Monday morning at the command headquarters in Awka.
Demanding immediate justice for his fallen men, CP Orutugu declared a special tactical manhunt code-named “Operation Fish Them Out.” He vowed that the command would not stand by and allow criminal elements to exploit the cover of night to unleash violence across the state.
The Commissioner also issued a stern security advisory to the public, urging residents to remain highly vigilant. He revealed that intelligence indicates some criminals are now posing as security personnel at checkpoints by wearing stolen military and police uniforms.
While describing the Amansea–Ufuma Road as a lonely stretch that has recently become a flashpoint for criminal activities, CP Orutugu advised commuters to exercise extreme caution. However, he reassured the residents of Anambra State that the police command remains “battle-ready” to guarantee their safety and track down the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
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